A controversial poll of its UK members on physician-assisted suicide by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) revealed continued opposition to it. Despite this, in March, the RCP announced that it had adopted a ‘neutral position’ on doctors helping people to die.
Despite the RCP opting to move to a neutral position prior to the poll being carried out, neutrality was shown to be the option least favoured by its members. Only 25% support a neutral position, while 43.4% said it should continue its long-standing opposition.
The RCP came under fire when it revealed it would become neutral unless a supra-majority of 60% either opposed or supported a change.
Opposition
It also asked doctors if they would personally assist a patient to kill themselves. 55% said no, and less than a quarter said they would. The decision to require a supra-majority and change position prior to consulting members is being challenged by four doctors in the High Court.
